People Data Specialist

We’re looking for a skilled and proactive People Data Specialist to join our team on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. This is a key role within the People Unit, ensuring that people data is accessible, accurate, and used effectively to support strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement. The People Unit recently transformed the way we work—modernising our approach to deliver business critical services and support the Government’s ambitious housing policy. Job description As the People Data Specialist, you’ll play a central role in this exciting evolution by shaping and influencing the quality of our data and how it’s used to drive performance, inform decisions, and support strategic goals. You’ll be the organisation’s central point of expertise for people data—leading the development of key performance indicators, empowering colleagues to use data effectively, and ensuring our data governance and reporting practices are best-in-class. This is a fantastic opportunity to drive continuous improvement and make a meaningful impact in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. Person specification Essential Criteria • CIPD qualified to level 5, or equivalent experience with a commitment to achieve the qualification within 3 years. • Considerable experience of working with people data, extracting and analysing the data. • Demonstrable ability to analyse and effectively present data using Microsoft Excel (Intermediate to Expert Level), and other reporting tools. • Experience of setting up and running reports from HR Systems and other database software. • A practical problem-solving approach to all issues with a continuous improvement mind set. • Demonstrates delivery focus with the ability to judge priorities and work on multiple projects based on strategic and operational priorities. • Strong knowledge of GDPR, specifically in relation to people data. • Strong knowledge of HR policies and practices. • Good relationship management and focus on delivering customer service. Desirable Criteria • Experience working across the breadth of HR activities. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: • Managing a Quality Service • Delivering at Pace • Making Effective Decisions • Changing and Improving Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and other reporting tools • Experience generating reports from HR systems and databases Benefits Alongside your salary of £46,689, Planning Inspectorate contributes £13,525 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. • Flexible working options, including flexi-time, part-time, compressed hours and home working if suitable for the role. • A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity. • 25 days annual leave increasing by 1 day per year up to 30 days after 5 years, plus 1 privilege day to mark the King’s birthday. In addition to the normal bank holidays. • Generous family friendly policies. • Fast and modern IT kit which utilises Windows 11 and Microsoft 365, enabling seamless working from home and collaboration across teams. Working hours: Standard working week is 37 hours, flexible working hours policy available Part time at 30 hours or above, flexible working hours policy available The Planning Inspectorate has a long and proud history in ensuring a fair planning system for England. The work we do has a significant impact on people’s lives, the communities where they live and the economy. We want our colleagues to be able to work more flexibly and more collaboratively, exploring new and innovative ways to improve the way we provide services. Things you need to knowSelection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills. Application Complete the online application form on Civil Service Jobs which requires the following information: • A CV: The CV section lets you share your job history. List your jobs, how long you worked at each, and briefly describe your roles and duties. Make sure to show how your experience matches the essential criteria of the job you're applying for. Type or paste this information into the 'Employment History' box in the online application. You can't attach your CV. • A Personal Statement (1000 words max): The personal statement lets you explain why you're a good fit for the job in more detail. Use it to show how you meet the essential criteria listed in our advert. All shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome shortly afterwards. Interview If you are shortlisted, you will: • Be asked to attend an interview to have a more in-depth discussion about your experience and suitability for the role • Interviews will be a blend of behaviour, strength, experience and technical questions • Need to prepare and deliver a presentation Candidates who pass the shortlist stage will receive full assessment details with their interview invitations. Other Information Shortlist Date: w/c 13 October 2025 Interview Date: w/c 20 October 2025 Interviews will be held at The Planning Inspectorate, Runway East, 101 Victoria Street, Bristol Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: • UK nationals • nationals of the Republic of Ireland • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).